Barcelona manager Hansi Flickplaceholder image
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick | Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Manchester United transfer news to kick off the weekend
Time is running out for Manchester United to complete any late winter signings but the latest reports suggest they could be biding their time ahead of a blockbuster summer instead.
We’ve rounded up some of the latest transfer rumours for the Red Devils, including their plan to offer a record-breaking amount of money for a Premier League rival.
Man United ‘intend’ to set transfer record with Carlos Baleba deal
According to TEAMtalk, the Red Devils ‘intend to set a new club record’ by signing Baleba for £100 million this summer. They do face competition from Chelsea, though, who spent £115 million on signing Moises Caicedo from the Seagulls in 2023.
However, United seem to have the upper-hand in this race, as the 22-year-old is ‘very much on board’ with moving to Old Trafford.
Brighton are not willing to entertain any offers until the end of the season and have ‘no desire’ to sell Baleba imminently. However, his interest in United is a promising factor and could tip the scales in their direction if Chelsea also come knocking.
The Cameroon international was also said to be ‘keen’ on joining the ranks last summer and had even agreed personal terms with United.
The prospect of linking up with international teammate Bryan Mbeumo is also appealing to the midfielder, who is under contract with Brighton until 2028.
Lisandro Martinez an ‘ideal candidate’ for Barcelona transfer plans
Lisandro Martinez has been named as an ‘ideal candidate’ for Hansi Flick’s transfer plans at Barcelona, says a report from Fichajes.
The Blaugrana are looking to bolster their defence this year and the United centre-back has been earmarked as a favoured candidate. The fact that his contract is due to expire in June 2027 is also appealing, as United may be obliged to negotiate his departure this summer, if a contract renewal is not on the cards.
Barcelona believe that with Martinez’s contract approaching its expiration, they can strike a deal for a World Cup-winning defender for ‘a fee close to €30 million (£26m)’.
United will need to factor this into their transfer plans if they do not agree new terms with Martinez. Should they opt to sell the Argentine at the end of the season, they could see two reliable centre-backs leave the club, as Harry Maguire is out of contract this summer.
Martinez was sorely missed during his recent injury absence after rupturing his ACL. The 28-year-old is a regular feature in the United starting line-up and the club will certainly need to work on replacing him, should they opt to sell to Barcelona this summer.
Continue Reading